Rippon Lodge, built in 1747, is perhaps the oldest house in Prince William
County. It is located at 15520 Blackburn Road in Woodbridge. Today, as part
of Rippon's Family History and Nature Exploration Day, there was a 'Birds 'N
Bagels' walk. Rippon has 43 acres of wooded walking trails, and extensive
lawn/forest edge habitat, with some wetland areas nearby. This morning, 6
birders spent a little more than an hour and tallyed 31 species. Highlights
included Scarlet Tanagers, Baltimore Orioles, many Eastern Bluebirds, Wood
Thrush, and lots of Eastern Wood Peewees. A very pleasant walk followed by a
pleasant bagel breakfast on the lawn. As is often the case, historic
properties are also excellent birding locations. Rippon is certainly one of
those instances. Come on out and learn about local history and get in some
fine birding. Great combination!
Harry Glasgow
Canada Goose X
Great Blue Heron X
Turkey Vulture X
Osprey X
Killdeer X
Mourning Dove X
Yellow-billed Cuckoo X
Chimney Swift X
Red-bellied Woodpecker X
Downy Woodpecker
Pileated Woodpecker
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Blue Jay
Fish Crow
Purple Martin
Tree Swallow
Carolina Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
Carolina Wren
House Wren
Eastern Bluebird
Wood Thrush
American Robin
Northern Mockingbird
European Starling
Chipping Sparrow
Scarlet Tanager
Northern Cardinal
Common Grackle
Baltimore Oriole
